Next Generation Networks (NGN) group started off in 1992 under the Network Research Group (NRG), School of Computer Sciences in Universiti Sains Malaysia. Next Generation Networks is an effort to develop and deploy advanced network applications, services and technologies for educational and industrial purposes. In March 2005, the Malaysian government recognized the NGN group as a pioneer in the area of IPv6 expertise in the country by awarding the NGN group the "National Advanced IPv6 Centre of Excellence" (NAv6) status. NAv6, owing to its profound research expertise and synergism in terms of Research, Development and Commercialization has matured into a research centre in the area of Next Generation Networks.

Malaysia aims to be an educational hub in the ASEAN region, looking at 100,000 international students to study in Malaysia by 2010. The growth includes 18 public universities, 26 private universities, 4 foreign branch campuses, and more than 500 private colleges . Naturally, there is a growing need for qualified professionals in terms of Masters and PhD lecturers in the area of Next Generation Networks and ICT. The centre plans to provide the qualified professionals that will become the driving academic and research force within these institutions. Also, the niche market created by the Internet boom and Next Generation Network requires more expertise and high level programmers. The centre will also provide the human resource requirements for such positions.

NAv6's areas of focus on R&D include Next Generation Multimedia Communications and Telemedicine, Advanced Internet Security and Monitoring Platform Development, IPv6, Satellite and Wireless Communication, Networked Virtual reality and Mobile Technologies/Applications. The above areas have niche market, with potential economic benefits and opportunity to gain technological edge in ICT expertise envisioning the future. Also, the above areas are aligned with the national priorities set by MyICMS 886 strategy, RMK-9 (2006-2010) and the National Broadband Plan.

NAv6 has garnered high repute in terms of consultancy with public and private organization, both locally and internationally. Major consultancy includes the Multimedia Conferencing Ssystem project for Mlabs Sdn Bhd, Early access program for Intel, AI3 Satellite Project, Video streaming for TM R&D, Malaysian ISP's security audit (level-1) for Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), IPv6 deployment Pilot Project for the then Ministry of Energy, Water and Communications (MEWC), and National Strategic IPv6 Roadmap for MEWC. Consultancy has been a major source of funding followed by grants which has sustained NAv6 so far and will continue to do so well into the future.

Apart from consultancy on IPv6 projects, NAv6 also conducts numerous workshops, training and awareness programs on IPv6 and other areas of interest in Next Generation Networks to the Internet savvy and the public at large. Figure above shows the functional structure of NAv6 as a centre.

To be recognized globally as the premier centre in research and post graduate studies in the field of Next Generation Networks.

1. To excel, nurture and produce high quality Masters, PhDs and Scientists in the area of Next Generation Networks by integrating research, development and industrial collaboration as a part of the programme.
2. To position USM to be in the global forefront in the area of Next Generation Networks as USM is now Malaysia's APEX University.
3. Bridging the gap between Academia and Industry in the field of Next Generation Networks.
4. Working towards a developed nation by 2020, by contributing scholars and scientists with high level expertise in Next Generation Networks. This includes much needed PhD level lecturers for the numerous IPTAs and IPTS now being established within Malaysia.
5. To facilitate Malaysia to be a Post Graduate Educational hub in the field of Next Generation Networks.
6. To commercialize the research products of the centre.

Strong cross disciplinary interaction of NAv6 will be with School of Computer Sciences, School of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, CEDEC (Collaborative µElectronic Design for Excellence Centre), Mathematics and INFORMM (Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine). The areas covered within this inter disciplinary collaboration include:

• Next Generation Internet and IPv6
• Next Generation of Multimedia Communication and Telemedicine
• Cellular Mobile Technologies
• Advanced Internet Security and Monitoring
• Satellite and Wireless Communication
• Advanced Virtual Reality
• Internet Governance and Policy
• Smart Grid